Nibras International School is part of International Schools Partnership, which means along with the other benefits that come with being a part of a global group, our students also get to access International Learning Opportunities.
Last year the ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange Programme (VBEP) was launched, in order to ensure ISP students were able to access a version of the successful ISP Buddy Exchange Programme.
During the difficult and constantly changing times, and because of the restrictions in place due to COVID-19, this new programme gave our students aged 14 – 17 years of age, the opportunity to reach out beyond their own school community and meet other ISP students from all over the world. The programme offered a unique international and cultural distance learning experience, in a safe and secure online environment. Through the supervised weekly video calls, students practiced their language, presentation and personal skills in English and continued their amazing learning journeys without having to travel. Not to mention they also built life-long friendships.
Dr. Jay B. Teston, Principal, Niibras International School says, “The ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange Programme is even more relevant under these pandemic times. It facilitates building resiliency among ISP worldwide students. It is very much aligned with developing our Nibras students to become local leaders with the global vision.”
Two NIS students Farangizhon and Halima share their experience of being a part of the ISP Virtual Buddy Exchange Programme.
Farangizhon, Grade 7
What did you want to achieve by taking part in the VBEP, and why?
I wanted to learn more about different people and their interests. I wanted to see different points of views, and see how interacting with people from around the world can change perspectives.
How did you feel during the first meeting, and how did that change as the program went on?
I was really nervous, I didn’t know what to really expect, but I was also happy for the first meeting. As I had more meetings and talked to the other participants, I started to feel more confident. I developed my skills and my confidence with each video conversation and started looking forward for the next one.
Now that you’ve finished the programme, what would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learnt about yourself, your skills, and your confidence?
I learned more about myself and my preferences. My speaking skills got better. I have gotten better at asking random questions, so the conversation keeps going and we don’t get bored.
Has taking part in the video calls improved some of your other personal skills? Which personal skills would you like to continue to develop and how will you do this?
I have learned how to be more responsible and more confident. I no longer doubt my opinions anymore and I feel more confident expressing them. I would like to develop my overall knowledge of my country and to be more aware of it, so I’m determined to push myself to learn. Also, I want to improve asking random questions and making people interested in conversation.
What facts do you remember of the culture, lifestyle, language and traditions of the different VBEP students you have been speaking with? How have these new facts had an impact on your understanding of other parts of the world?
I learned that every country has their own taste and different talents.
I remember Spain and that they like to eat spicy food, unlike my country.
How has the development of your cultural awareness and language skills had an impact on your learning beyond the VBEP?
I have more awareness and more knowledge on my country, and my language skills are really good now. I have gained more confidence in myself so I can start conversations and lead them better.
What was the biggest challenge in VBEP?
It has been the time. Sometimes I didn’t have enough time to prepare properly for my weekly conversations.
What did VBEP help you with most?
It helped me recognize and understand my country better, and I hope to continue learning more about my heritage and culture. Also, now I do not doubt my answers and I am not afraid to ask questions.
Halima, Grade 10
What did you want to achieve by taking part in the VBEP, and why?
I wanted to gain more friends. I think it’s important to make new friends and know more about the people, especially during the lockdown because it helps you stay connected. I also wanted to know more about other people’s traditions and cultures.
How did you feel during the first meeting, and how that changed as the program went on?
I was nervous at first and not confident in myself and my presentation. After a few video conversations, I felt more calm and less nervous. I was happy and confident. I believe this was because all my previous meetings went well and it was so fun to participate in, so I was eager to join more meetings. My confidence and comfort keep getting better and better because all my buddies were really nice and we talked a lot. I could be myself, so I felt more comfortable and confident.
Now that you’ve finished the programme, what would you say is the biggest thing you’ve learnt about yourself, your skills, and your confidence?
I got better at meeting and talking to the new people online. I have less of an awkward time when I meet a new person online now. I also learned how to make interesting presentations. I was able to learn a lot about the other cultures and cultivating long-term friendships with the students from around the world.
Has taking part in the video calls improved some of your other personal skills? Which personal skills would you like to continue to develop and how will you do this?
Participating in the video calls helped me to be more patient and optimistic. Online meetings are often hard, because you can’t hear another person or have some technical issues. It also helped me with my confidence because after I started participating in the VBEP, I decided to join the MUN, because I wanted to participate in more activities where I can talk and present, and develop my confidence. I would like to improve my communication and go into deeper conversations, rather than just asking easy questions. I also want to be more open about myself.
What facts do you remember of the culture, lifestyle, language and traditions of the different VBEP students you have been speaking with? How have these new facts had an impact on your understanding of other parts of the world?
My virtual buddy in Malaysia goes to the beach and travels to rain forests for vacation because it’s a very big country, and I find that exciting. All these new things I learned about different countries have had an influence on my way of thinking. While we are all different and people grow up believing in a certain set of beliefs and ideals, much like their friends and family, everybody should be respected even though you may not agree with their way of thinking.
How has the development of your cultural awareness and language skills had an impact on your learning beyond the VBEP?
I have discovered and realized that there are other ways to view the world and see truth. This also taught me to be open to criticism and to be respectful and able to consider different points of view. The VBEP helped me to become more assertive and it also helped me to develop my confidence.
What was the biggest challenge in the VBEP?
The biggest challenge was to do it online, because of technical issues, so sometimes you can’t hear another person.
What did VBEP help you with most?
It made me more organized and more optimistic. I can now better express my feelings and thoughts in English.
Dubai Investment Park P.O.
Box: 54084